Retford author Barry Upton will be giving a series of presentations in May to showcase his new book – a set of illustrated short stories called Strangers and Friends.
The first event will take place at Retford Library, Churchgate, on Thursday 14th May at 6.00pm.
The collection features mysterious and sometimes bizarre tales accompanied by striking images created by photographer Detlef Kohnen, who comes from Garbsen, Bassetlaw’s twin town in northern Germany. During the event, the two creators will share the thinking behind the book, which explores the nature of friendship.
Strangers and Friends is their latest Anglo-German collaboration and the pair are looking forward to hearing audience responses during readings and discussions. The stories and their accompanying images have a surreal quality that offers plenty of food for thought. Together, words and pictures invite the reader to explore the meaning behind each story.
The partnership between Barry and Detlef began many years ago. When Barry was deputy head and teacher of drama at King Edward VI School in Retford, he met Detlef in the early 1990s as part of an Anglo-German drama exchange. Their friendship has continued ever since, even after both retired from teaching.
Copies of the book and framed photographs will also be on display and available to purchase on Friday 15th May at Retford Market. The official launch will take place on Saturday 16th May at Bassetlaw Museum, Grove Street, Retford, from 10.00am to 3.00pm.